berlin township public schools west berlin, new jersey...

BERLIN TOWNSHIP PUBLIC SCHOOLS

West Berlin, New Jersey 08091

September 28, 2017

Action Meeting Agenda

“Educating Today for Tomorrow’s Success”

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1. Call Meeting to Order

I, , President, call this meeting to order under the Open Public Meetings Act at . This is to advise the general public and to instruct that it be recorded in the Minutes, that in compliance with Chapter 231 of the Public Laws of 1975, entitled the “Open Public Meetings Act,” the Berlin Township Board of Education on January 5, 2017, caused to be posted at the Business Office of the Board of Education located at 225 Grove Avenue, West Berlin, New Jersey and advertised in the Courier Post on January 11, 2017 and the Central Record the week of January 15, 2017 a meeting notice setting forth the time, date and location of this meeting.

2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Roll Call Yr Began/Current Term Expires

Mr. Sol Cohen 2014 / 2017 Mr. Keith Jones, Vice President 2011 / 2017 Mrs. Mary Williams 2002 / 2017 Mr. Brian Davis 2012 / 2018 Mrs. Kimberly Reed 2015 / 2018 Mrs. Joanne Young 2015 / 2018 Mr. Jeffrey Souza 2014 / 2019 Mrs. Cynthia Mozee, President 2013 / 2019 Mrs. Aida Figueroa-Epifanio 2016 / 2019 Dr. Edythe B. Austermuhl, Superintendent Mrs. Megan Stoddart, Business Administrator Charles Rizzi, Esq., Board Solicitor

4. Approval of Minutes

Motion by seconded by RECOMMEND that the Board of Education approve the minutes of the August 24, 2017 meeting as presented in duplicated form and dispense with the reading of the same.



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5. Executive Session – In

Motion by seconded by to go into Executive Session to discuss: personnel, legal, contractual and negotiation issues. Time in: . Resolution for Executive Session: Whereas Section 8 of the Open Public Meeting Act, Chapter 231, P.L. 1975, permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting in certain circumstances, and whereas this public body is of the opinion that such circumstances presently exist. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Berlin Township Board of Education, County of Camden, State of New Jersey, as follows:

1. The public shall be excluded from discussion and action upon hereafter specified subject matters. They are:

a. Any matter which by express provision of federal law or state statute or rule of court shall be rendered confidential.

b. Matters dealing with Federal Funding. c. Discussion of any materials, the disclosure of which would constitute

an unwarranted invasion of individual privacy. d. Matters dealing with collective bargaining. e. Matters dealing with the sale or purchase of public land. f. Discussion of any pending or anticipated litigation or contract

negotiation.

6. Executive Session – Close Motion by seconded by to come out of Executive Session. Time out: .

7. Presentations –

Thank you to Smiles from Kara and the Unforgotten Haven for their donation

of School Supplies for the 2017-2018 school year.

Motion by ________ second by _________ RECOMMEND that the Board of Education, on the recommendation of the Superintendent, accept the school supplies from Smiles from Kara and the Unforgotten Haven.

Summer Care Presentation



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8. Public Comments – Open Recognition of Citizens – for agenda items only The Public is reminded that they should attempt to resolve problems and/or complaints through initial contact with the staff member or members involved therein and the Chief School Administrator prior to petitioning the Board of Education. Complaints should only be brought to the Board after the appropriate school staff have had a reasonable opportunity to resolve the problem at the employee level. Statements should be limited to topics to be addressed on the published agenda and limited in length to 5 minutes. Motion by seconded by to open the meeting to the public for the discussion of agenda items only. Time in: . 9. Public Comments - Closed

Motion by seconded by to close the meeting to the public. Time closed: .



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10. Superintendent’s Report A. Review District Mission Statement

DISTRICT MISSION STATEMENT

The slogan of the Berlin Township School District of “Educating Today for Tomorrow’s Success” is meant to focus the educational community on the broad goal of giving ALL of our children the necessary skills to be successful in all future endeavors. Student achievement is the major priority; the district prides itself on its creative approach to learning and its emphasis upon helping each student to discover his or her potential. Teachers use a variety of teaching methods to reach students with a wide range of abilities. Student engagement as volunteers in the learning process is our primary focus. It is our responsibility to create structures and systems where students are totally engaged in the instruction, which will then leads to deeper learning and understanding.

The Berlin Township School District commits itself to all children by creating a standards-based school district in which all students receive the very best educational opportunities possible. Each and every student will surpass the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards. To achieve this, the members of the district will focus on:

Establishing high standards of excellence for both staff and students Communicating openly and frequently within the district and with the community to

foster a trusting relationship Ensuring a safe and orderly environment for staff and students Recognizing that a school district serves as a role model and has the responsibility to

encourage high quality character behavior

B. Review District & Board of Education Goals

DISTRICT & BOARD OF EDUCATION GOALS 2016-2017

Supervise the revision and implementation of all district curricula, focusing on Science, World Language and Technology as per the 2016 QSAC findings in order to continue to improve student growth and achievement.

Work with the district administrative staff to investigate ways to increase the use of

technology for instructional purposes.



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BOARD GOALS

1. Begin to review and revise, as needed, Board Policies as found in the 5000 section of the Policy Manual and continue through the 2016-2017 school year.

2. Develop and implement practices that will promote inter-district participation with Pine

Hill and Clementon School Districts at both the Board and District staff levels.

3. Continue to work with the Board of Education to investigate ways to improve communication with district parents and the community.



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C. Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) Incident Report

Date Reported to Superintendent

School Case Number

Result Action

N/A

D. Board Affirmation of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying Investigation

Decisions Motion by seconded by RECOMMEND that the Board of Education, on the recommendation of the

Superintendent, approve to affirm the Superintendent’s decisions associated with the harassment, intimidation and bully (HIB) incidents (Case # to ) reported on .

E. Field Trips:

Grade Teacher Place Date Cost to Student Cost to District

Gr 8 Kolaski Phila Zoo 10/18/17 $10 Two drivers, tolls, two buses

Gr 8 Reilly CCTS 10/13/17 $0 One driver, one bus Preschool - West Berlin Fire Station 11/07/17 $0 One driver, one bus

Virelli, German, DiLeo

1. Motion by seconded by

RECOMMEND that the Board of Education, on the recommendation of the Superintendent, approve the field trips listed on the September 28, 2017 agenda.



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F. Safety and Security – JFK – N/A for August Type of Drill Date and Time

Fire Lockdown Bus Evacuation Bomb Threat

G. Safety and Security – DDE – N/A for August Type of Drill Date and Time

Fire Lockdown Bus Evacuation Bomb Threat

H. Monthly Reports Uploaded to Portal for Review

a. Coordinator of Special Services b. Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds

Approve Use of Facilities Motion by seconded by RECOMMEND that the Board of Education, on the recommendation of the Superintendent, approve the use of facilities as listed below:

Organization Facility Date and Time Event

NJ Gators DDE Gym Tuesdays, Nov – Feb Softball practices

c. Technology Coordinator d. Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction e. JFK Principal f. DDE Principal



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I. Discussion Items:

Policy Name Bylaws Name

3541.33 Transportation Safety

6114 Emergencies and Disasters Preparedness

a. Motion by ________ second by _________ RECOMMEND that the Board of

Education, on the recommendation of the Superintendent, approve the first reading of policies 3541.33 – Transportation Safety and 6114 – Emergencies and Disaster Preparedness. These items were uploaded to the board portal, September, 2017 folder for review and are attached to the board packet for this meeting.

b. Motion by ________ second by _________ RECOMMEND that the Board of

Education, on the recommendation of the Superintendent, approve the list of technology items to be recycled. This list was uploaded to the board portal, September, 2017 folder for review and is attached to the board packet for this meeting.

c. Motion by ________ second by _________ RECOMMEND that the Board of

Education, on the recommendation of the Superintendent, approve the Donor’s Choose Project of Rachel Deaner for a Sensory awareness center and materials received in the amount of $1121.87.

11. Personnel a. Motion by ________ second by _________ RECOMMEND that the Board of

Education, on the recommendation of the Superintendent, approve the letter of resignation, with regret, for staff member Jamie Otis, effective September 1, 2017. Mr. Otis was hired at a long term substitute for the district in June, 2017.

b. Motion by ________ second by _________ RECOMMEND that the Board of Education, on the recommendation of the Superintendent, approve the letter of resignation, with regret, for staff member Paige Burten, effective August 25, 2017. Ms. Burten was hired as an educational assistant in the district on January 30, 2017.



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c. Motion by ________ second by _________ RECOMMEND that the Board of

Education, on the recommendation of the Superintendent, approve the hiring of staff in accordance with certification and criminal history requirements as noted below:

Name Position Salary Start Date

Leonard Lewis LT Sub/Gr 7 SS BA Step 1, $51,495, pro-rated 09/05/2017 Folasade Hamlett PT/Ed Asst Step 3, $13,622, pro-rated 09/25/2017 Theresa Mazzeo FT/Ed Asst/DHOD Step 3, $15,851, pro-rated 09/18/2017

Amy Endicott FT/LTS Gr 7 MA Step 4, $55,195, pro-rated 9/12 – 12/22, 2017

Dawn Klein FT/Ed Asst/1:1 Step 15, $21,543 pro-rated 10/02/17

Jennifer Cusick-Loss FT/Ed Asst/1:1 Step 7, $17,558 pro-rated 10/02/17 Nicole Podwats PT/Ed Asst Step 7, $14,547 pro-rated 10/02/17

d. Motion by ________ second by _________ RECOMMEND that the Board of Education, on the recommendation of the Superintendent, approve the tuition reimbursement request for staff member Meenu Joshi. Amount to be reimbursed is $1,000. A chart with course detail was uploaded to the September folder on

the portal and is included in the board packet for this meeting.



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e. Motion by ________ second by _________ RECOMMEND that the Board of

Education, on the recommendation of the Superintendent, approve the following ADVANCE volunteers:

Edward Abrams, Stephanie Bannan, Rubia Begum, Valerie Castner, Tiffany Geib, Amanda Heintz, Joseph Heintz, Candace Hulse,

Nargis Khan, Melissa McDonald, Bernard Montague, Brandy Morris, Anthony Pach, Karen Payne, Keith Portner,

Victoria Profit, Eugene Sanderson, Shana Sanderson, Joshua Shellenberger, Lindsey Shellenberger, Robert Smarra, Jr., Linda Sokol, Lisa Spackman, Robert Spackman, Jason Stallard, Charles Stires, Donna Stires, Kristine Teasdale, Kevin Dubler,

Kristen Dubler, Heather Tonczyczyn, Carla VanElsland, Mark Riepen, Audrey Barbera, Kathy Trader, Anthony Alfano,

Dina Alfano, Pamela Selenski, Christina Maslin, M. Jeffery Maslin, Enza DeNinno, Kevin Boykin, Theressa Murray, Gina Kovacs

f. Motion by ________ second by _________ RECOMMEND that the Board of Education, on the recommendation of the Superintendent, approve the following mentor positions in district:

Leonard Lewis will be mentored by Mary Jo Kolaski at DDE Amanda Leonard will be mentored by Laura Burke at DDE

g. Motion by ________ second by _________ RECOMMEND that the Board of

Education, on the recommendation of the Superintendent, approve the following Rutgers University practicum placement for 2017-2018 school year:

Student Cooperating Teacher Subject Dates

Dominique Carlucci Jessica Wright – DDE Teacher of English P-12 01/02 – 01/12/2018

h. Motion by ________ second by _________ RECOMMEND that the Board of Education, on the recommendation of the Superintendent, approve the observation request for University of the Arts student John Imhoff. Mr. Imhoff would like to observe our ESL program for a to be determined amount of time. Dates for this observation are to be determined as well.



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12. Curriculum and Instruction



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13. Business and Finance

Financial Report – Period Ending July 2017 Motion by , seconded by RECOMMEND that the Board of Education, on the recommendation of the Superintendent and School Business Administrator, approve the following resolution: Board Secretary Financial, Revenue and Treasurer’s Reports

A. Board Secretary’s Report in accordance with 18A: 17-36 and 18A: 17-9 for

the month of July 2017. The Board Secretary certifies that no line item account has been over expended in violation of N.J.A.C. 6A: 23A-16.10 (c) 3 and that sufficient funds are available to meet the District’s financial obligations for the remainder of the fiscal year.

B. Treasurer’s Report in accordance with 18A: 17-36 and 18A: 17-9 for the month of July 2017. The Treasurer’s and Secretary’s report are in agreement for the month of July 2017.

C. Board Secretary in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:23A -16.10 (c) 2 certifies that there are no changes in anticipated revenue amounts or revenue sources.

D. Board of Education Certification – pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:23A – 16.10 (c) 4, we certify that after review of the secretary’s monthly financial report (appropriations section) and upon consultation with the appropriate District officials, that to the best of our knowledge no major accounts or funds have been over expended in violation of N.J.A.C. 6A:23A – 16.10 (b) and that sufficient funds are available to meet the District’s financial obligations for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Megan Stoddart, Business Administrator Date



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E. Motion by seconded by to approve the travel/professional development for the following staff members:

Name Cost Location/Date of Travel Expense Amount M Bright $150 NJSIG – Mt Laurel, 11/14/17 $0.00

Instruction regarding current issues in school law

J Lawlor $235 Ocean Place, Long Branch, NJ, 10/01 – 10/03, 2017 $0.00 Integrating technology in art, teaching strategies

J Virelli $209.99 Cherry Hill, NJ, 10/24/17 $0.00

Play as an instructional technique for children with Sensory and Behavioral needs

S Rech $0.00 Voorhees Middle School, Voorhees, NJ, 10/03/17 $0.00

Book Fair and Reading Encouragement Tips

E McCoach $159 Camden County College, NJ, 11/01/17 $0.00 Improving differentiated activities in the classroom

E Austermuhl $1,636 NJ Consortium for Excellence Through Equity, South, Pine Hill Consortium Member $0.00

Meeting dates for the 17-18 school year: 10/04, 10/12, 10/24, 11/13, 11/28, 12/12, 01/04, 01/17, 01/29, 02/18, 02/26, 03/22, 05/03

L Gillespie $259 BER, Voorhees, NJ, 11/29/17 $0.00 Strategies to handle school nursing, consistent & safe practices

K Mitchell $199.99 PESI, Cherry Hill, NJ, 10/27/17 $0.00 Aides to assist with the intervention process for dyslexia

R Rollins $199.99 PESI, Cherry Hill, NJ, 11/16/17 $0.00 Aides for Students w/ High-Functioning Autism

M Ivancich $178 Stockton University, NJ, 11/15/17 $0.00 Communicating with families across cultures

K Braidwood $0 Camden Co Ed Partnership Project, Lawnside, NJ,

New information on community resources 10/26/17 $0.00

M Ivancich $0 Camden Co Ed Partnership Project, Lawnside, NJ,

NJ Dept of Children & Families Overview

10/26/17 $0.00



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F. Motion by second by RECOMMEND that the Board of Education, on the recommendation of the School Business Administrator, approve payment of bills:

Batch number 52 Amount $788,886.51

G. Motion by , seconded by RECOMMEND that the Board of Education, on the recommendation of the Superintendent and Business Administrator, approve the September, 2017 listing of substitutes from Source 4 Teachers. The per diem substitute rate is $105 for a full day and $52.50 for a half day. This list was uploaded to the portal for the board review. A list is on file with the Business Administrator.

H. Motion by second by

RECOMMEND that the Board of Education, on the recommendation of the School Business Administrator, approve the 2016-2017 CARE disbursements for the month in the amount of $2,176.57

I. Motion by second by RECOMMEND that the Board of Education, on the recommendation of the School Business Administrator, approve the 2016-2017 Cafeteria disbursements for the month in the amount of $0.00.

J. Motion by second by

RECOMMEND that the Board of Education, on the recommendation of the School Business Administrator, approve Leaps and Sounds, LLC to provide assistive technology evaluations at a rate of $800 and staff training at a rate of $110/hr for 1-3 hours or $100 for more than 3 hours.



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K. Motion by second by

RECOMMEND that the Board of Education, on the recommendation of the School Business Administrator, approve the following out-of-district tuition contracts: REVISED CONTRACT FROM JULY, 2017

For Archway Programs: Student #7493285809, at a yearly rate of $38,520. The student requires the support of a 1:1 aide at a rate of $25,200. The student partially attended the Extended School Year Program at a rate of $7,490 which will be pro-rated. This is a continuation of a previous placement.

For Haddon Heights School District: Student #9977409506, to attend the Extended School Year Program at a rate of $3,500. For GCSSSD-Bankbridge: Student #4206846536, to attend the Extended Year Program at a rate of $4,140. The student requires the support of a 1:1 aide at a rate of $3,400.

Student #1881917553, to attend the Extended Year Program at a rate of $4,140. The student requires the support of a 1:1 aide a rate of $3,400.

Student #9950492727, to attend the Extended Year Program at a rate of $4,140.

L. Motion by ________ second by _________ RECOMMEND that the Board of Education, on the recommendation of the Superintendent, approve the contract with Bayada Nursing for per diem services, as needed.



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M. Motion by second by RECOMMEND that the Board of Education, on the recommendation of the School Business Administrator, hold the following public hearing on the 2017 Refunding Ordinance & Form and Sale Resolution:

REFUNDING BOND ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD

OF EDUCATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF BERLIN

IN THE COUNTY OF CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY,

PROVIDING FOR THE REFUNDING OF ALL OR A

PORTION OF THE OUTSTANDING CALLABLE

SCHOOL BONDS OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT,

DATED APRIL 28, 2010, ISSUED IN THE ORIGINAL

PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF $3,334,000,

APPROPRIATING NOT TO EXCEED $3,200,000

THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE

OF NOT TO EXCEED $3,200,000 REFUNDING

BONDS TO PROVIDE FOR SUCH REFUNDING.

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE TOWNSHIP

OF BERLIN IN THE COUNTY OF CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY (not less than two-thirds

of all members thereof affirmatively concurring) AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. The Board of Education of the Township of Berlin in the County

of Camden, New Jersey (the "School District") is hereby authorized to refund all or a

portion of the outstanding callable School Bonds of the School District issued in the

original principal amount of $3,334,000 and dated April 28, 2010 (the "2010 Bonds").

The 2010 Bonds maturing on or after April 1, 2020 (the “2010 Refunded Bonds”) may be

redeemed at the option of the School District in whole or in part on any date on or after

April 1, 2019 (the “Redemption Date”) at a redemption price equal to 100% of such

Refunded Bonds.



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Section 2. In order to finance the cost of the purpose described in Section 1

hereof, negotiable refunding bonds (the "Refunding Bonds") are hereby authorized to be

issued in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $3,200,000 pursuant to N.J.S.A.

18A:24-61 et seq.

Section 3. An aggregate amount not exceeding $110,000 for items of expense

listed in and permitted under N.J.S.A. 18A:24-61.4 has been included in the aggregate

principal amount of Refunding Bonds authorized herein.

Section 4. The purpose of the refunding is to incur an interest cost savings for

the School District.

Section 5. A supplemental debt statement has been prepared and filed in the

offices of the Township Clerk and the Business Administrator/Board Secretary and in the

office of the Director of the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of

Community Affairs of the State of New Jersey as required by law. Such statement shows

that the gross debt of the Township as defined in the Local Bond Law and the school debt

of the School District is increased by the amount the Refunding Bond authorization

exceeds the amount of the proposed refunded bonds.

Section 6. No Local Finance Board approval is required as the issuance of the

Refunding Bonds will comply with the requirements of N.J.A.C. 5:30-2.5.

Section 7. The Board President, the Superintendent, the Business

Administrator/Board Secretary and other appropriate representatives of the School

District are hereby authorized to prepare such documents, to publish such notices and to

take such other actions as are necessary or desirable to enable the School District to



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prepare for the sale and the issuance of the Refunding Bonds authorized herein and to

provide for the redemption of the 2010 Bonds referred to in Section 1 hereof.

Section 8. This bond ordinance shall take effect immediately after final

adoption.

CERTIFICATION OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR/BOARD SECRETARY

REGARDING FINAL ADOPTION OF REFUNDING BOND ORDINANCE

I, Megan Stoddart, Business Administrator/Board Secretary of The Board of

Education of the Township of Berlin in the County of Camden, State of New Jersey (the

“Board”), HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing refunding bond ordinance entitled,

“Refunding Bond Ordinance of The Board of Education of the Township of Berlin in the

County of Camden, New Jersey, Providing for the Refunding of All or a Portion of the

Outstanding Callable School Bonds of the School District, Dated April 28, 2010, Issued

in the Original Principal Amount of $3,334,000, Appropriating Not to Exceed $3,200,000

Therefor and Authorizing the Issuance of Not to Exceed $3,200,000 Refunding Bonds to

Provide for Such Refunding,” was finally adopted on September 28, 2017 and approved

on first reading by a vote of _____________, and that the foregoing refunding bond

ordinance has been compared by me with the original minutes as officially recorded in

my office in the minute book of the Board and is a true, complete and correct copy of the

refunding bond ordinance as finally adopted.



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M. Motion by second by RECOMMEND that the Board of Education, on the recommendation of the School Business Administrator, approve the following resolution on the 2017 Refunding Ordinance & Form and Sale Resolution:

REFUNDING BOND ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD

OF EDUCATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF BERLIN

IN THE COUNTY OF CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY,

PROVIDING FOR THE REFUNDING OF ALL OR A

PORTION OF THE OUTSTANDING CALLABLE

SCHOOL BONDS OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT,

DATED APRIL 28, 2010, ISSUED IN THE ORIGINAL

PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF $3,334,000,

APPROPRIATING NOT TO EXCEED $3,200,000

THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE

OF NOT TO EXCEED $3,200,000 REFUNDING

BONDS TO PROVIDE FOR SUCH REFUNDING.

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE TOWNSHIP




of Camden, New Jersey (the "School District") is hereby authorized to refund all or a

portion of the outstanding callable School Bonds of the School District issued in the

original principal amount of $3,334,000 and dated April 28, 2010 (the "2010 Bonds").

The 2010 Bonds maturing on or after April 1, 2020 (the “2010 Refunded Bonds”) may be

redeemed at the option of the School District in whole or in part on any date on or after

April 1, 2019 (the “Redemption Date”) at a redemption price equal to 100% of such

Refunded Bonds.



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Section 2. In order to finance the cost of the purpose described in Section 1

hereof, negotiable refunding bonds (the "Refunding Bonds") are hereby authorized to be

issued in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $3,200,000 pursuant to N.J.S.A.

18A:24-61 et seq.

Section 3. An aggregate amount not exceeding $110,000 for items of expense

listed in and permitted under N.J.S.A. 18A:24-61.4 has been included in the aggregate

principal amount of Refunding Bonds authorized herein.

Section 4. The purpose of the refunding is to incur an interest cost savings for

the School District.

Section 5. A supplemental debt statement has been prepared and filed in the

offices of the Township Clerk and the Business Administrator/Board Secretary and in the

office of the Director of the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of

Community Affairs of the State of New Jersey as required by law. Such statement shows

that the gross debt of the Township as defined in the Local Bond Law and the school debt

of the School District is increased by the amount the Refunding Bond authorization

exceeds the amount of the proposed refunded bonds.

Section 6. No Local Finance Board approval is required as the issuance of the

Refunding Bonds will comply with the requirements of N.J.A.C. 5:30-2.5.



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Section 7. The Board President, the Superintendent, the Business

Administrator/Board Secretary and other appropriate representatives of the School

District are hereby authorized to prepare such documents, to publish such notices and to

take such other actions as are necessary or desirable to enable the School District to

prepare for the sale and the issuance of the Refunding Bonds authorized herein and to

provide for the redemption of the 2010 Bonds referred to in Section 1 hereof.

Section 8. This bond ordinance shall take effect immediately after final

adoption.



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CERTIFICATION OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR/BOARD SECRETARY

REGARDING FINAL ADOPTION OF REFUNDING BOND ORDINANCE

I, Megan Stoddart, Business Administrator/Board Secretary of The Board of

Education of the Township of Berlin in the County of Camden, State of New Jersey (the

“Board”), HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing refunding bond ordinance entitled,






Provide for Such Refunding,” was finally adopted on September 28, 2017 and approved

on first reading by a vote of _____________, and that the foregoing refunding bond

ordinance has been compared by me with the original minutes as officially recorded in

my office in the minute book of the Board and is a true, complete and correct copy of the

refunding bond ordinance as finally adopted.



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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand

and

affixed the corporate seal of the Board of Education this

___ day of _______________, 2017.

_____________________________________________

Megan Stoddart

Business Administrator/Board Secretary

[SEAL]

N. Motion by second by RECOMMEND that the Board of Education, on the recommendation of the School Business Administrator, approve the 2017 Refunding Form and Sale Resolution:

RESOLUTION DETERMINING THE FORM AND

OTHER DETAILS OF NOT TO EXCEED $3,200,000

PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF REFUNDING SCHOOL

BONDS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE

TOWNSHIP OF BERLIN IN THE COUNTY OF

CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY AND PROVIDING FOR

THE SALE AND THE DELIVERY OF SUCH BONDS



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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE TOWNSHIP




of Camden, New Jersey (referred herein as the “Board of Education” or “Board”) hereby

authorizes the sale, in one or more series, of an amount not to exceed $3,200,000

Refunding School Bonds (the “Bonds”) by virtue of its final adoption by a two-thirds

majority of its full membership on September 28, 2017 of a bond ordinance entitled,






Provide for Such Refunding” (the “Bond Ordinance”).

Section 2. The Bonds are hereby authorized to be sold to PNC Capital

Markets LLC (the “Underwriter”) in accordance with the purchase contract to be entered

into by and between the Underwriter and the Board (the “Purchase Contract”) pursuant to

this resolution. The purchase price for the Bonds shall be as set forth in the Purchase

Contract, plus unpaid accrued interest, if any, from the dated date of the Bonds to, but not

including, the delivery date of the Bonds. The Board President, Superintendent and/or

Business Administrator/Board Secretary is hereby authorized to enter into the Purchase

Contract on behalf of the Board with the Underwriter in a form satisfactory to



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McManimon, Scotland & Baumann, LLC, bond counsel for the Board (“Bond Counsel”)

for the sale of the Bonds to the Underwriter in accordance with the provisions of this

resolution. The signature of the Board President, Superintendent or Business

Administrator/Board Secretary on the Purchase Contract shall be conclusively presumed

to evidence any necessary approvals.

Section 3. The Bonds are being issued to incur interest cost savings by

redeeming all or a portion of the callable outstanding school bonds of the Board

originally issued in the principal amount of $3,334,000, dated April 28, 2010, which

bonds maturing on or after April 1, 2020 (the “Refunded Bonds”) are redeemable at the

option of the Board in whole or in part on any date on or after April 1, 2019 (the

“Redemption Date”) at par (the "Redemption Price"), plus in each case accrued interest,

if any, to the Redemption Date.

Section 4. The Bonds shall be issued in accordance with the terms and the

conditions set forth in the Purchase Contract within the parameters set forth herein:

(A) The Bonds shall be issued in a par amount determined to be necessary to pay

costs of issuance and to provide for payment of the Redemption Price of the Refunded

Bonds on the Redemption Date and the interest due on the Refunded Bonds through the

Redemption Date;

(B) The Bonds shall be dated such date as established in the Purchase Contract;

(C) The Bonds shall mature in the principal amounts on or about April 1 of each

year, commencing on or about April 1, 2018 and thereafter or as otherwise set forth in the

Purchase Contract and shall bear interest at interest rates per annum on the unpaid



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principal balance on each April 1 and October 1 until maturity or earlier redemption,

commencing on or about April 1, 2018 or as otherwise set forth in the Purchase Contract;

(D) The Bonds shall be issued in the form of one bond for each maturity except if

all or any portion of the Bonds are issued as term bonds;

(E) The Bonds shall be numbered consecutively from R-1 upward and shall

mature in such principal amounts with such mandatory call features and with such

mandatory sinking fund payments as set forth below and as determined in the Purchase

Contract;

(F) The Bonds may be subject to optional redemption or not as set forth in the

Purchase Contract;

(G) Depending on market conditions at the time of the sale, the Bonds may be

issued in one or more series as determined by the Business Administrator/Board

Secretary, in consultation with Bond Counsel and with NW Financial Group, LLC,

financial advisors for the Board (the “Financial Advisor”).

Section 5. The Bonds shall be substantially in the following form with such

additions, deletions and omissions as may be necessary for the Board to conform the

Bonds to the requirements of the Purchase Contract:



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SAMPLE BOND FORM FOR INFORMATION ONLY – DO NOT COMPLETE

REGISTERED REGISTERED NUMBER R- ___ $___________

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA STATE OF NEW JERSEY

THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF BERLIN IN THE

COUNTY OF CAMDEN

REFUNDING SCHOOL BOND

DATED DATE: MATURITY DATE:

RATE OF INTEREST PER ANNUM:

CUSIP:

_/_/2017 04/01/20__ _______% ______ ___

THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF BERLIN IN THE COUNTY OF CAMDEN, New Jersey (the “Board of Education”) hereby acknowledges itself indebted and for value received promises to pay to CEDE & CO., as nominee of The Depository Trust Company, which will act as Securities Depository, on the Maturity Date specified above, the principal sum of _______________________ DOLLARS ($____________) and to pay interest on such sum from the Dated Date set forth above at the Rate of Interest Per Annum specified above semiannually on the first days of April and October in each year until maturity [or earlier redemption] commencing on April 1, 2018. Interest on this bond will be paid to the Securities Depository by the Board of Education and will be credited to the participants of The Depository Trust Company as listed on the records of The Depository Trust Company as of the March 15 and September 15 next preceding the date of such payments (the "Record Dates" for such payments). Principal of this bond, upon presentation and surrender to the Board of Education, will be paid to the Securities Depository by the Board of Education and will be credited to the participants of The Depository Trust Company.



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This bond is not transferable as to principal or interest except to an authorized nominee of The Depository Trust Company. The Depository Trust Company shall be responsible for maintaining the book-entry system for recording the interests of its participants or the transfers of the interests among its participants. The participants are responsible for maintaining records regarding the beneficial ownership interests in the bonds on behalf of individual purchasers.

[The bonds of this issue maturing prior to April 1, 20__ are not subject to

redemption prior to their stated maturities. The bonds of this issue maturing on or after

April 1, 20__ are redeemable at the option of the Board of Education in whole or in part

on any date on or after April 1, 20__ upon notice as required herein at par, plus in each

case unpaid accrued interest to the date fixed for redemption.

Notice of redemption shall be given by mailing by first class mail in a sealed

envelope with postage prepaid to the registered owners of the bonds not less than thirty

(30) days, nor more than sixty (60) days prior to the date fixed for redemption. Such

mailing shall be to the owners of such bonds at their respective addresses as they last

appear on the registration books kept for that purpose by the Board of Education or a duly

appointed Bond Registrar. Any failure of the Securities Depository to advise any of its

participants or any failure of any participant to notify any beneficial owner of any notice

of redemption shall not affect the validity of the redemption proceedings. If the Board of

Education determines to redeem a portion of the bonds prior to maturity, the bonds to be

redeemed shall be selected by the Board of Education. The bonds to be redeemed having

the same maturity shall be selected by the Securities Depository in accordance with its

regulations.

If notice of redemption has been given as provided herein, the bonds or the

portion thereof called for redemption shall be due and payable on the date fixed for

redemption at the redemption price, together with unpaid accrued interest to the date

fixed for redemption. Interest shall cease to accrue on the bonds after the date fixed for

redemption. Payment shall be made upon surrender of the bonds redeemed.] This bond is one of an authorized issue of bonds and is issued pursuant to Title 18A, Education, Chapter 24, of the New Jersey Statutes and the refunding bond ordinance finally adopted by the Board of Education on September 28, 2017, in all respects duly approved. Payment of this obligation is secured under the provisions of the New Jersey School Bond Reserve Act, P.L. 1980, c. 72, approved July 16, 1980, as amended by P.L. 2003, c.118, approved July 1, 2003, in accordance with which an amount equal to 1% of the aggregate outstanding bonded indebtedness (but not to exceed the moneys available in the fund) of New Jersey counties, municipalities and school districts for school purposes as of April 1 of each year, is held within the State Fund for the Support of Free Public Schools as a school bond reserve pledged by law to secure payments of principal and interest due on such bonds in the event of the inability of the issuer to make payment.



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The full faith and credit of the Board of Education are hereby irrevocably pledged for the punctual payment of the principal of and the interest on this bond according to its terms. It is hereby certified and recited that all conditions, acts and things required by the constitution or the statutes of the State of New Jersey to exist, to have happened or to have been performed precedent to or in the issuance of this bond exist, have happened and have been performed and that the issue of bonds of which this is one, together with all other indebtedness of the Board of Education, is within every debt and other limit prescribed by such constitution or statutes.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE

TOWNSHIP OF BERLIN IN THE COUNTY OF CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY has caused

this bond to be executed in its name by the manual or facsimile signature of its President,

its corporate seal to be hereunto imprinted or affixed, this bond and the seal to be attested

by the manual signature of its Secretary, and this bond to be dated the Dated Date as

specified above.

THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF BERLIN IN THE [SEAL] COUNTY OF CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY ATTEST: By: (Facsimile)___________________ President By:_________________________ Secretary

[END OF SAMPLE BOND FORM]

Section 6. The Bonds shall have printed thereon a copy of the written opinion

with respect to the Bonds that is to be rendered by Bond Counsel, complete except for

omission of its date. The Business Administrator/Board Secretary is hereby authorized

and directed to file a signed duplicate of such written opinion in the Business



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30

Administrator/Board Secretary's office. Alternatively, each Bond may be accompanied

by the signed legal opinion or copy thereof.

Section 7. Bond Counsel is authorized to arrange for the printing of the

Bonds. The proper officials of the Board are hereby authorized and directed to execute

the Bonds and to deliver them to the Purchaser in exchange for payment, including

accrued interest from their date to the date of delivery, if any.

Section 8. The Business Administrator/Board Secretary is hereby authorized

to make representations and warranties, to enter into agreements and to make all

arrangements with The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York as may be

necessary in order to provide that the Bonds will be eligible for deposit with The

Depository Trust Company and to satisfy any obligation undertaken in connection

therewith.

Section 9. In the event that The Depository Trust Company may determine to

discontinue providing its service with respect to the Bonds or is removed by the Board of

Education and if no successor Securities Depository is appointed, the Bonds which were

previously issued in book-entry form shall be converted to registered bonds (the

"Registered Bonds") in denominations of $5,000, or any integral multiple thereof, except

that an amount maturing in any one year in excess of the largest principal amount thereof

equaling a multiple of $5,000 will be in denominations of $1,000, or any integral multiple

thereof. The beneficial owner under the book-entry system, upon registration of the

Bonds held in the beneficial owner's name, will become the registered owner of such



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Registered Bonds. The Board shall be obligated to provide for the execution and delivery

of the Registered Bonds in certificate form.

Section 10. The Board hereby covenants that it will comply with any

conditions subsequent imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code") in

order to preserve the exemption from taxation of interest on the Bonds, including the

requirement to rebate all net investment earnings on the gross proceeds above the yield

on the Bonds, and that it will refrain from taking any action that would adversely affect

the tax exemption of the Bonds under the Code. The Board authorizes the Business

Administrator/Board Secretary to act and determine on behalf of the Board whether the

Bonds will be designated as “bank qualified” within the meaning of Section 265 of the

Code.

Section 11. Solely for purposes of complying with Rule 15c2-12 of the

Securities and Exchange Commission, as amended and interpreted from time to time (the

"Rule"), and provided that the Bonds are not exempt from the Rule and provided that the

Bonds are not exempt from the following requirements in accordance with paragraph (d)

of the Rule, for so long as the Bonds remain outstanding (unless the Bonds have been

wholly defeased), the Board of Education shall provide for the benefit of the holders of

the Bonds and the beneficial owners thereof:

(a) On or prior to February 1 of each year, beginning February 1, 2018,

electronically to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s Electronic Municipal

Market Access (“EMMA”) system or such other repository designated by the SEC to be

an authorized repository for filing secondary market disclosure information, if any,



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annual financial information with respect to the Board of Education consisting of the

audited financial statements (or unaudited financial statements if audited financial

statements are not then available, which audited financial statements will be delivered

when and if available) of the Board of Education and certain financial information and

operating data consisting of (1) Board of Education indebtedness; (2) property valuation

information; and (3) tax rate, levy and collection data. The audited financial statements

will be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as modified

by governmental accounting standards as may be required by New Jersey law;

(b) if any of the following material events occur regarding the Bonds, a timely

notice not in excess of ten business days after the occurrence of the event sent to EMMA:

(1) Principal and interest payment delinquencies;

(2) Non-payment related defaults, if material;

(3) Unscheduled draws on debt service reserves reflecting financial

difficulties;

(4) Unscheduled draws on credit enhancements reflecting financial

difficulties;

(5) Substitution of credit or liquidity providers, or their failure to

perform;

(6) Adverse tax opinions, the issuance by the Internal Revenue Service

of proposed or final determinations of taxability, Notices of

Proposed Issue (IRS Form 5701-TEB) or other material notices or

determinations with respect to the tax status of the security, or

other material events affecting the tax status of the security;

(7) Modifications to rights of security holders, if material;

(8) Bond calls, if material, and tender offers;

(9) Defeasances;

(10) Release, substitution, or sale of property securing repayment of the

securities, if material;

(11) Rating changes;

(12) Bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar event of the

obligated person;



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(13) The consummation of a merger, consolidation, or acquisition

involving an obligated person or the sale of all or substantially all

of the assets of the obligated person, other than in the ordinary

course of business, the entry into a definitive agreement to

undertake such an action or the termination of a definitive

agreement relating to any such actions, other than pursuant to its

terms, if material;

(14) Appointment of a successor or additional trustee or the change of

name of a trustee, if material.

For the purposes of the event identified in subparagraph (12) above, the event is

considered to occur when any of the following occur: the appointment of a receiver,

fiscal agent or similar officer for an obligated person in a proceeding under the U.S.

Bankruptcy Code or in any other proceeding under state or federal law in which a court

or governmental authority has assumed jurisdiction over substantially all of the assets or

business of the obligated person, or if such jurisdiction has been assumed by leaving the

existing governing body and officials or officers in possession but subject to the

supervision and orders of a court or governmental authority, or the entry of an order

confirming a plan of reorganization, arrangement or liquidation by a court or

governmental authority having supervision or jurisdiction over substantially all of the

assets or business of the obligated person.

Notice of failure of the Board of Education to provide required annual financial

information on or before the date specified in this resolution shall be sent in a timely

manner to EMMA.

If all or any part of the Rule ceases to be in effect for any reason, then the

information required to be provided under this resolution, insofar as the provision of the



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Rule no longer in effect required the provision of such information, shall no longer be

required to be provided.

The Business Administrator/Board Secretary shall determine, in consultation with

Bond Counsel, the application of the Rule or the exemption from the Rule for each issue

of obligations of the Board of Education prior to their offering. Such officer is hereby

authorized to enter into additional written contracts or undertakings to implement the

Rule and is further authorized to amend such contracts or undertakings or the

undertakings set forth in this resolution, provided such amendment is, in the opinion of

nationally recognized bond counsel, in compliance with the Rule.

In the event that the Board of Education fails to comply with the Rule

requirements or the written contracts or undertakings specified in this resolution, the

Board of Education shall not be liable for monetary damages, remedy being hereby

specifically limited to specific performance of the Rule requirements or the written

contracts or undertakings therefor.

Section 12. The Board hereby approves the preparation and the distribution of

the Preliminary Official Statement in the form to be approved by the Business

Administrator/Board Secretary. Such Official Statement may be distributed in

preliminary form and deemed final for purposes of Rule 15c2-12 of the Securities and

Exchange Commission on behalf of the Board by the Business Administrator/Board

Secretary. The Preliminary Official Statement shall be prepared in final form in

connection with the issuance of the Bonds, and the Business Administrator/Board

Secretary is authorized to execute any certificates necessary in connection with the



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distribution of the Official Statement. Final Official Statements shall be delivered to the

Purchaser within the earliest of seven business days following the sale of the Bonds or to

accompany the Purchaser’s confirmations that request payment for the Bonds. Bond

Counsel, Bowman & Company LLP, the auditor, and/or the Financial Advisor are further

authorized to arrange on behalf of the Board of Education for a rating for the Bonds from

Standard & Poor’s and/or Moody’s Investors Service, and all such actions taken to date

are hereby ratified.

Section 13. The Business Administrator/Board Secretary, with the advice of

the Financial Advisor, is authorized to arrange for bond insurance if advantageous based

on the advice of the Underwriter to be provided at a premium not to exceed 75 basis

points of the amount of principal and interest payable in order to obtain the best possible

rates and the most cost effective financing and is authorized to take all steps on behalf of

the Board necessary to do so.

Section 14. The Business Administrator/Board Secretary, with the advice of

Bond Counsel, shall arrange for paying agent services or redemption agent services with

a banking institution if any portion of the Bonds are term bonds requiring a sinking fund.

Section 15. The Business Administrator/Board Secretary is also authorized and

directed to pay the costs of issuance in connection with the sale of the Bonds pursuant to

a certificate of the Business Administrator/Board Secretary to be executed upon delivery

of the Bonds in an aggregate amount not to exceed the amount outlined in the Bond

Ordinance.



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Section 16. The Business Administrator/Board Secretary shall take all steps

necessary to call the Refunded Bonds on the Redemption Date, at par, plus any unpaid

accrued interest thereon and to take all steps necessary for the investment of the proceeds

of the Refunded Bonds necessary to arrange for such redemption. The Financial Advisor

and/or the Underwriter, on behalf of the Board of Education, are authorized to reserve

and purchase open market treasury securities and/or United State Treasury—State and

Local Government Series (“SLGs”) for deposit with the escrow agent if required. All of

the principal amount and interest earnings on the open market treasury securities and/or

SLGs, as well as cash, if necessary, will be used to pay the interest due on the Refunded

Bonds through the Redemption Date and pay the Redemption Price on the Refunded

Bonds on the Redemption Date. The Board hereby authorizes M&T Bank to serve as

escrow agent based upon the recommendation of the Financial Advisor and authorizes the

Business Administrator/Board Secretary and/or Board President to enter into an Escrow

Deposit Agreement with such escrow agent in order to provide instructions regarding the

deposit of the open market treasury securities and/or SLGs and cash, if any.

Section 17. The Board hereby authorizes Bowman & Company LLP to serve

as verification agent, if necessary, to confirm the accuracy of the arithmetical and

mathematical computations supporting (i) the accuracy of the interest cost savings and

the sufficiency of the amount in the escrow account to pay the interest due on the

Refunded Bonds through the Redemption Date and pay the Redemption Price on the

Redemption Date; and (ii) the calculations of yield supporting the conclusion of Bond



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Counsel that the Bonds are not “arbitrage bonds” as such meaning is set forth in the

Code.

Section 18. The Board President, Superintendent, Business

Administrator/Board Secretary and other appropriate representatives of the Board are

hereby authorized to take all steps necessary to provide for the issuance of the Bonds and

the redemption of the Refunded Bonds, including preparing and executing such

agreements and documents on behalf of the Board and taking all steps necessary or

desirable to implement the requirements of this resolution, such agreements and

documents as may be necessary and appropriate and the transactions contemplated

thereby.

Section 19. This resolution shall take effect immediately.

O. Motion by second by

RECOMMEND that the Board of Education, on the recommendation of

the School Business Administrator, approve the submission of the FY

2018 ESSA Grant. Grant amounts are as follows:

Title IA $188,009

Title IIA $ 29,053

14. Old Business

Approve the 2017-2018 District and Board Goals as listed below: District Goals for 2017-2018

Supervise the organization and implementation of articulation meetings with Administrative Teams

from Pine Hill, Clementon and Berlin Township for curriculum articulation and sharing of best

practices.

Work with the district administrative staff to investigate the Future Ready School initiative for ways to

increase the use of technology for instructional purposes.



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Board Goals for 2017-2018

Complete all phases of the CSA evaluation process for the 2017-2018 school year by the June 30, 2018

deadline as described in NJ Administrative Code and Statute.

Develop and implement practices that will promote inter-district participation with the Pine Hill and Clementon School districts at the Board level.

Continue to work as a Board of Education to investigate ways to improve communication with district

parents and the community.

15. New Business

2017 PARCC Results Presentation by Dina Bottley Committee Updates Negotiations NJSBA CCESC Pine Hill Bd of Ed CCSBA

16. Public Comments – Open

Recognition of Citizens – for subjects not appearing on agenda

The Public is reminded that they should attempt to resolve problems and/or complaints through initial contact with the staff member or members involved therein and the Chief School Administrator prior to petitioning the Board of Education. Complaints should only be brought to the Board after the appropriate school staff have had a reasonable opportunity to resolve the problem at the employee level. Statements should be limited to topics to be addressed and limited in length to 5 minutes.

Motion by seconded by to open the meeting to the public for the discussion of subjects. Time in: .

17. Public Comments - Closed

Motion by seconded by to close the meeting to the public. Time closed: .

18. Executive Session – In Motion by seconded by to go into Executive Session to discuss: personnel, legal, contractual and negotiation issues. Time in: .



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Resolution for Executive Session: Whereas Section 8 of the Open Public Meeting Act, Chapter 231, P.L. 1975, permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting in certain circumstances, and whereas this public body is of the opinion that such circumstances presently exist. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Berlin Township Board of Education, County of Camden, State of New Jersey, as follows:

1. The public shall be excluded from discussion and action upon hereafter specified subject matters. They are:

a. Any matter which by express provision of federal law or state statute or rule of court shall be rendered confidential.

b. Matters dealing with Federal Funding. c. Discussion of any materials, the disclosure of which would constitute

an unwarranted invasion of individual privacy. d. Matters dealing with collective bargaining. e. Matters dealing with the sale or purchase of public land. f. Discussion of any pending or anticipated litigation or contract

negotiation.

19. Executive Session – Close Motion by seconded by to come out of Executive Session. Time out: .

20. Adjournment

Motion by seconded by to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned: pm.

berlin township public schools west berlin, new jersey...

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